Father Moreno hospitalized after collapse during service

Father Jose Moreno, the pastor of St. Patrick and Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, was hospitalized Wednesday night after collapsing at the altar during the 6 p.m. Mass celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The church's administrative assistant Martha Veloz said Thursday that the priest is in the hospital, but that he said he's feeling better and undergoing tests as a precaution.

"He said he's overworked and that he's tired," she said.

He had also presided over the midnight Mass and celebration at the church the night before.

The south side church was packed Wednesday evening for the celebration that included children re-enacting the scene when Mary appeared to Juan Diego.

Right before the gospel, the priest fainted, said Veloz. A 911 call was placed and he was taken to the hospital, she said.

Father David Shields, another priest at the parish, completed the Mass, she said.

The name of the hospital is not being released and there are no visitors, Veloz said.

About Georgia Pabst

Georgia Pabst is a general assignment reporter whose areas of coverage include Milwaukee County government, the Latino community, non-profits and neighborhoods.